Deadbat
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United got back to winning ways with an impressive victory over high flying Ipswich Town at Bramall Lane. The Blades continued their excellent home form over recent months as goals from Callum O’Hare, Andre Brooks and Patrick Bamford were enough to see off the Tractor Boys; despite the visitors briefly threatening a comeback thanks to a Jack Clarke penalty kick. The only negative was Bamford getting dismissed, for two yellow cards – dissent and simulation. It was a really good performance from United in an open game that saw some feisty moments throughout and a frenzied home support appreciated the effort of the home team.
There were a number of changes to the starting line up with six changes from the disappointing defeat at St Mary’s in the week. In came McCallum, Seriki, Davies, Brooks, Hamer and Bamford in, with the ex-Leeds man taking the captain’s armband. Ipswich started with in form Clarke and former Wednesday academy graduate Hirst. New signing Mehmeti, was on the bench.
The game began with both teams throwing men forward in an open contest. Both sides looked to counter on each other and Brooks was lively in the early stages for the Blades.
Ipswich had the first chance when Furlong’s cross dropped for Clarke but the winger fired over. Mee had been uncertain to begin the game and his mistake saw Egeli in on goal but Cooper got a strong hand to it and made the save. However, the Blades then created chances of their own. Brooks had an effort saved before Greaves made a hash of his back pass and Brooks got on the ball and centered for O’Hare but O’Shea cleared off the line. It could easily have been 2-2 after a frantic start.
Cooper had to make another save as Hirst hit a powerful effort and the keeper then reacted well to beat out Szmodics effort. From the subsequent corner for the away side, United broke and took the lead. Hamer played the delightful through ball and O’HARE beat the offside trap to be in on goal. The former Coventry man, showed great composure a she got a challenge from behind and the keeper, but managed to expertly lift the ball into the net. Walton had caught the scorer with his boot and he needed to go off for treatment, coming back with a bandage around his head. Words were exchange by the coaching staff of both sides after the goal and Walton was booked for raising his hands in a melee that followed. Wilder also got a yellow card for his remonstrations.
The Blades now seemed to have Ipswich rattled who were losing their composure. As the tackles flew in, Furlong took O’Hare out, but the advantage was played. Bamford had his curler saved and Seriki also had the rebound blocked by Walton but it fell for BROOKS whose driven powerful effort flicked a defender but found its way into the corner. The winger peeled off to celebrate with his now trademark back flick and somersault. Furlong was booked for his challenge before the goal. There was still time for another flashpoint as Peck, Hirst and Szmodics had words in front of the Kop. Indeed, as the half time whistle went, the Blades midfielder sprinted off pursued by a number of Town players, in a scene reminiscent of a Benny Hill sketch from the 80’s!
The Blades fans were pumped up and saluted their side as they went off the field – with them two goals to the good against a much-fancied promotion contender.
The second half did not see the physicality dimmish as a number of lusty challenges went in Kipre may have been fortunate not to see red, after a horrible, late aerial challenge on Brooks – but got away with only a yellow card. Ipswich tested Cooper with a Clarke volley saved by Cooper, as the visitors looked to force United back. O’Hare had an opportunity after more good work from Brooks and Seriki but the game was thrown into the balance on the hour mark. Davies had sloppily conceded possession and as the ball came over from the right, Clarke was somehow left unmarked. He took the shot on that McGuiness seemed to block but after a significant wait, referee Nield pointed to the spot on, deeming that the centre back had used his hands in making the intervention.
CLARKE took it and drilled in via the post, despite Cooper going the right way and it was game on. Arblaster came on for Davies, whose race had been run but on 66 minutes, United restored their two-goal advantage. It came from the direct route, as Cooper pumped clear and Hamer played a delightful first-time ball with his instep, seeing BAMFORD clear. The striker cooly finished going past the keeper at his near post and United had control again.
Hamer came off not long after, with Cannon replacing him. The substitute did well twice, as he won possession and then chased down a ball. Brooks continued to work hard but his shot was wild, somehow going out for a throw in! Bamford was booked for dissent, as he kicked the boards as debated a free kick given against him. It was not long after, the striker was sent off. He was played through and looked to go round the keeper but certainly seemed to go the ground rather easily and as Walton and his nearby defenders protested their innocence, the striker walked away rather sheepishly! The referee called it as simulation and two cheap yellow cards, saw him sent from the field.
Cannon tried to catch the keeper off his line, shooting from halfway but not getting enough on it before McCallum swept up nicely as Ipswich continued to press. United had 7 minutes to see things out. Hoever came on and went to a right-wing position, with Brooks moving into the central area. Ipswich won a few long throw and corner opportunities but the closest anyone came was the home side. O’Hare got in down the left but his powerful was pushed round the post. United saw the final few minutes out and could celebrate avenging that heavy defeat at Portman Road – a game that saw the end of Ruben Selles short reign as manager at the Lane.
United – Our home form and performances continues to be excellent. We have beat some teams, much higher up the league, and beaten them well. Today was an open game and Ipswich had a few opportunities for a while, before the Blades also had a few of their own. An excellently made goal saw Hamer play in O’Hare for the opener. Both keepers made saves before after a series of saves from Walton, Brooks slammed in the second via a deflection. Ipswich seemed to lose their heads after going behind and a number of yellow cards and challenges resulted. The half time saw a bizarre end as Peck clashed with a few opponents and the Kop roared their approval as he left the field. It was a proper old school game with tackles flying in and the referee seemingly losing control but United through two moments of clinical finishing, had the advantage. After the break, the game continued to have an edge but Ipswich got back in with the penalty. However, as they looked like they might complete a turnaround, Hamer’s class proved the difference again as another clever ball found Bamford who finished clinically. After this the game remained open but no further goals but the scorer was sent off after two daft moments.
It was an entertaining afternoon as United got back to their free scoring form and got three more goals at the Lane against one of the better sides in the league. Ipswich had created several chances and Michael Cooper was in excellent form but Walton also had been extremely busy. It was an open game but United found the big moments and in the end, did enough to win the game as they showed a real desire and application all over the side. It felt a big three points and after the two defeats on the road, meant the playoffs was now a forlorn hope, the talk of being sucked into a relegation battle had sadly resurfaced. However, this resounding win hopefully will see that talk banished for a period at least and United showed that on their day, they can live with, and beat ant side at this level. It was a pleasing afternoon but maybe also showed the frustration, that United are down in 17th place when their quality should see them placed much higher. We lost 5-0 to the same opposition, to mark the end of the Selles experiment but fast forward four months and we saw a different game.
We played some of our stronger players and I think Wilder will reflect he has chopped and changed too much, despite discussions on fitness and red zones and how some cannot managed the number of games and intensity. Today, with the likes of Seriki, Brooks, Hamer, Bamford back in – we more than matched and outplayed a high-flying Ipswich side for long periods and were value for the win. Playoffs are still a long way off and with further tough games to come, I just think get to half way and get clear of any potential relegation trouble first. Maybe then we can have a late dart, but it will take an incredible run of form to break into the top 6 and I cannot see it sadly. It is annoying though, as we have thrown some games away and of course have always been playing catch up. Today was really pleasing though with some big performances from likes of Cooper, Peck, Davies, Hamer, Brooks, O’Hare and Bamford. The game had a real edge to it and the crowd responded in turn to the players having a real go and it was great to watch. United’s players rose to the challenge and came out on top in so many important 50-50’s as the game went on. By the end, we eased to the win, despite the Bamford red card- which was an irritant, as he had been a key man again
Hard game to come v Millwall but let’s put most of our best players out again and go and have a go – they are tough to beat at home and just won 4-0 but we can go there with confidence and nothing to lose – feels a bit of a free hit in a sense. Credit to Wilder and the coaching staff, who had the team right at it and they really went after an Ipswich side that has a lot of ability but seemed to lose their heads at spells as the crowd/team in sync went for the jugular today.
There were a number of changes to the starting line up with six changes from the disappointing defeat at St Mary’s in the week. In came McCallum, Seriki, Davies, Brooks, Hamer and Bamford in, with the ex-Leeds man taking the captain’s armband. Ipswich started with in form Clarke and former Wednesday academy graduate Hirst. New signing Mehmeti, was on the bench.
The game began with both teams throwing men forward in an open contest. Both sides looked to counter on each other and Brooks was lively in the early stages for the Blades.
Ipswich had the first chance when Furlong’s cross dropped for Clarke but the winger fired over. Mee had been uncertain to begin the game and his mistake saw Egeli in on goal but Cooper got a strong hand to it and made the save. However, the Blades then created chances of their own. Brooks had an effort saved before Greaves made a hash of his back pass and Brooks got on the ball and centered for O’Hare but O’Shea cleared off the line. It could easily have been 2-2 after a frantic start.
Cooper had to make another save as Hirst hit a powerful effort and the keeper then reacted well to beat out Szmodics effort. From the subsequent corner for the away side, United broke and took the lead. Hamer played the delightful through ball and O’HARE beat the offside trap to be in on goal. The former Coventry man, showed great composure a she got a challenge from behind and the keeper, but managed to expertly lift the ball into the net. Walton had caught the scorer with his boot and he needed to go off for treatment, coming back with a bandage around his head. Words were exchange by the coaching staff of both sides after the goal and Walton was booked for raising his hands in a melee that followed. Wilder also got a yellow card for his remonstrations.
The Blades now seemed to have Ipswich rattled who were losing their composure. As the tackles flew in, Furlong took O’Hare out, but the advantage was played. Bamford had his curler saved and Seriki also had the rebound blocked by Walton but it fell for BROOKS whose driven powerful effort flicked a defender but found its way into the corner. The winger peeled off to celebrate with his now trademark back flick and somersault. Furlong was booked for his challenge before the goal. There was still time for another flashpoint as Peck, Hirst and Szmodics had words in front of the Kop. Indeed, as the half time whistle went, the Blades midfielder sprinted off pursued by a number of Town players, in a scene reminiscent of a Benny Hill sketch from the 80’s!
The Blades fans were pumped up and saluted their side as they went off the field – with them two goals to the good against a much-fancied promotion contender.
The second half did not see the physicality dimmish as a number of lusty challenges went in Kipre may have been fortunate not to see red, after a horrible, late aerial challenge on Brooks – but got away with only a yellow card. Ipswich tested Cooper with a Clarke volley saved by Cooper, as the visitors looked to force United back. O’Hare had an opportunity after more good work from Brooks and Seriki but the game was thrown into the balance on the hour mark. Davies had sloppily conceded possession and as the ball came over from the right, Clarke was somehow left unmarked. He took the shot on that McGuiness seemed to block but after a significant wait, referee Nield pointed to the spot on, deeming that the centre back had used his hands in making the intervention.
CLARKE took it and drilled in via the post, despite Cooper going the right way and it was game on. Arblaster came on for Davies, whose race had been run but on 66 minutes, United restored their two-goal advantage. It came from the direct route, as Cooper pumped clear and Hamer played a delightful first-time ball with his instep, seeing BAMFORD clear. The striker cooly finished going past the keeper at his near post and United had control again.
Hamer came off not long after, with Cannon replacing him. The substitute did well twice, as he won possession and then chased down a ball. Brooks continued to work hard but his shot was wild, somehow going out for a throw in! Bamford was booked for dissent, as he kicked the boards as debated a free kick given against him. It was not long after, the striker was sent off. He was played through and looked to go round the keeper but certainly seemed to go the ground rather easily and as Walton and his nearby defenders protested their innocence, the striker walked away rather sheepishly! The referee called it as simulation and two cheap yellow cards, saw him sent from the field.
Cannon tried to catch the keeper off his line, shooting from halfway but not getting enough on it before McCallum swept up nicely as Ipswich continued to press. United had 7 minutes to see things out. Hoever came on and went to a right-wing position, with Brooks moving into the central area. Ipswich won a few long throw and corner opportunities but the closest anyone came was the home side. O’Hare got in down the left but his powerful was pushed round the post. United saw the final few minutes out and could celebrate avenging that heavy defeat at Portman Road – a game that saw the end of Ruben Selles short reign as manager at the Lane.
United – Our home form and performances continues to be excellent. We have beat some teams, much higher up the league, and beaten them well. Today was an open game and Ipswich had a few opportunities for a while, before the Blades also had a few of their own. An excellently made goal saw Hamer play in O’Hare for the opener. Both keepers made saves before after a series of saves from Walton, Brooks slammed in the second via a deflection. Ipswich seemed to lose their heads after going behind and a number of yellow cards and challenges resulted. The half time saw a bizarre end as Peck clashed with a few opponents and the Kop roared their approval as he left the field. It was a proper old school game with tackles flying in and the referee seemingly losing control but United through two moments of clinical finishing, had the advantage. After the break, the game continued to have an edge but Ipswich got back in with the penalty. However, as they looked like they might complete a turnaround, Hamer’s class proved the difference again as another clever ball found Bamford who finished clinically. After this the game remained open but no further goals but the scorer was sent off after two daft moments.
It was an entertaining afternoon as United got back to their free scoring form and got three more goals at the Lane against one of the better sides in the league. Ipswich had created several chances and Michael Cooper was in excellent form but Walton also had been extremely busy. It was an open game but United found the big moments and in the end, did enough to win the game as they showed a real desire and application all over the side. It felt a big three points and after the two defeats on the road, meant the playoffs was now a forlorn hope, the talk of being sucked into a relegation battle had sadly resurfaced. However, this resounding win hopefully will see that talk banished for a period at least and United showed that on their day, they can live with, and beat ant side at this level. It was a pleasing afternoon but maybe also showed the frustration, that United are down in 17th place when their quality should see them placed much higher. We lost 5-0 to the same opposition, to mark the end of the Selles experiment but fast forward four months and we saw a different game.
We played some of our stronger players and I think Wilder will reflect he has chopped and changed too much, despite discussions on fitness and red zones and how some cannot managed the number of games and intensity. Today, with the likes of Seriki, Brooks, Hamer, Bamford back in – we more than matched and outplayed a high-flying Ipswich side for long periods and were value for the win. Playoffs are still a long way off and with further tough games to come, I just think get to half way and get clear of any potential relegation trouble first. Maybe then we can have a late dart, but it will take an incredible run of form to break into the top 6 and I cannot see it sadly. It is annoying though, as we have thrown some games away and of course have always been playing catch up. Today was really pleasing though with some big performances from likes of Cooper, Peck, Davies, Hamer, Brooks, O’Hare and Bamford. The game had a real edge to it and the crowd responded in turn to the players having a real go and it was great to watch. United’s players rose to the challenge and came out on top in so many important 50-50’s as the game went on. By the end, we eased to the win, despite the Bamford red card- which was an irritant, as he had been a key man again
Hard game to come v Millwall but let’s put most of our best players out again and go and have a go – they are tough to beat at home and just won 4-0 but we can go there with confidence and nothing to lose – feels a bit of a free hit in a sense. Credit to Wilder and the coaching staff, who had the team right at it and they really went after an Ipswich side that has a lot of ability but seemed to lose their heads at spells as the crowd/team in sync went for the jugular today.
